The Hidden Spring (1997)
Hidden Spring is the firstchapter of a seminal ambient trilogy written by Stefano Musso. Theschemas of composition based on vibrant droning chords, concrete soundsand omnious-dreamy like synthesized sections are once again wellexposed. However these enchanting ambient pieces have never been soprofound, serene and haunted. Hidden Spring certainly figure among thebest Alio Die efforts. The two first compositions open with risingepiphanic ambiences including epic-majestic burgeonning drones anddiscreet percussive scintillations. Track 3 is anenigmatic-nocturnal-sacred piece based on repetition and abstractexotica. Track 4 is a tranquil-meditative subaquatic piece. Track 5improves the sound with a sort of kosmische aura. The rest of the albumis just as mesmerising as the previous pieces: Ultra hypnotic, ritualand transcendant electronic epics. Seriously at the top ofemotional-spiritual, semi-acoustic ambient music with what Harold Budd,Steve Roach have the best to offer. Spaced out, peaceful harmonies, aneerie trip without being new agey. A personal favourite.Alio Die's The Hidden Spring will take you unto a world of peace and serenity.Imagine complete isolation with frogs and birds as the only creatures around.The calming sound of water is accentuated by deep and flowing drones that are masterfully beautiful and soothing. Italy's Stefano Musso is the guide on this sonic journey of tranquility. This is the 4th full-length Alio Die CD and his first since he collaborated with Robert Rich on the remarkable "Fissures"album released by Fathom / Hearts of Space. The Hidden Spring contains ten tracks and is 65 minutes long. Three of the songs were originally released on ND Records as a split cassette with Francisco Lopez. One is from the limited edition Alio Die "The Flight of Real Image" 3" CD on his ownlabel Hic Sunt Leones. One song appeared on the "Twilight Earth" v/aCD on Timebase. Another was on the Promises of Silence Various Artist CD that was originally released on his own label and then again on Projekt Records. The four other tracks are completely new to this CD. Only three of the tracks have been on compact disc before and all are blended into an incredibly cohesive album. Full color packaging accompanies the sounds of Stefano Musso's lush organic ambient textures and samples.
Reviews:
"...and tracks such as "Amniotic Pot", "An Instant In Transformation",and "The Threshold of Beauty" are first rate-subtle and multi layered,with no visible scaffolding. "Internal Top" is even better: Starting with a series of low, rumbling pulses, it adds the melodious clatter of bamboo sticks, and later still, chimes and wobbly synthesized drones that seem to contain tiny wailing voices."
Alternative Press, August 1998
Here's a collection of new (or at least "new" when this was released in '98) and previously released
Le label américain Crowd Control Activities se diversifie encore. AprèsHybryds, Brume et Atrax Morgue, il nous propose un nouveau CD de Stefano Musso.Enfin nouveau, pas complètement. On y retrouve en effet outre des inédits,quelques titres issus de compilations et d'autres parus sur la cassette "fragments",le tout ayant été enregistré entre 1993 et 1997. Bizarrement, l'ensemble reste homogène, même si les morceaux les plus récentssont évidmment plus construits et surtout d'une richesse sonore incroyable.Nappes flottantes, sons saturels profonds, rythmes envoûtants. Puremerveille.
HARMONIE / Jean-Marc Boucher autumn 1999